One of the most common types of collisions in Charles County, MD, is rear-end crashes. These car accidents have many causes, from inattention to aggressive driving. No matter the cause, though, victims can suffer serious injuries that require a long, expensive recovery.
Fortunately, Maryland law allows crash victims to seek compensation in certain situations. If you were hurt in a rear-end accident, a Charles County rear-end crash lawyer from Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers can help you explore your options for recovering your losses. Contact us at (301) 932-9997 to schedule a free consultation.
How Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Rear-End Crash in Charles County, MD
Our experienced attorneys have successfully secured over $100 million in compensation for injured clients in Charles County, Maryland. We leverage our 125 years of combined legal experience to craft custom legal strategies for each client we represent.
When you hire our Charles County car accident lawyers after getting injured due to someone else’s careless driving, we can assist you with the following:
- Reviewing the causes of your collision and the injury claims we can pursue
- Collecting evidence and preparing an insurance claim
- Working to settle your claim with the claims adjuster assigned to your case
- Fighting your case in court if the adjuster refuses to negotiate a fair settlement
Rear-end crashes can result in painful injuries that prevent you from earning a living or enjoying life. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Charles County rear-end crash attorney from our team to learn about your right to recover compensation for these losses.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Charles County, Maryland
Rear-end crashes occur when drivers slam into the vehicle ahead of them. These crashes are also called “front-to-rear” collisions because the front of one vehicle strikes the rear of another car.
The broad explanation for most rear-end collisions is that the rear vehicle was too close to another car to stop safely.
However, this proximity can occur for many reasons, including:
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Inattentive driving
- Changing lanes unsafely
The reason that the vehicles were too close will often determine which driver is at fault for the resulting collision.
Common Injuries in Charles County Rear-End Crashes
In a typical rear-end crash, the front vehicle’s occupants will whip forward into their seat belts. Those in the rear vehicle experience these forces in reverse. They will jerk forward during the impact. As their vehicle stops, they will be thrown back into their seats.
In both cases, the back-and-forth motion can produce serious injuries. The motion, and the resulting injury, are often referred to as whiplash. Whiplash injuries result from the strain caused by the head pulling on the neck. They can include strained neck muscles and tendons, sprained neck ligaments, and herniated neck discs.
Whiplash may be temporary if it only affects the muscles and tendons. However, damage to the neck ligaments and discs may produce chronic or permanent symptoms.
In addition to whiplash, rear-end crash victims may suffer from concussions, chest bruises, and fractured facial bones. Concussions, in particular, can produce serious cognitive and physical symptoms, such as confusion, amnesia, and loss of coordination.
Determining Liability for Rear-End Accidents Under Maryland Law
The liability for an intentional crash will likely fall on the driver who caused it. However, these types of collisions are rare.
Instead, most crashes are unintentional. Negligence usually determines the liability for these collisions. A driver acts negligently when they drive without due regard for the safety of other road users. The level of caution required is based on the care and control expected of an ordinary, reasonable driver.
When rear-end crashes happen, the attention generally focuses on the driver of the rear vehicle. Under Maryland law, drivers are responsible for following at a reasonable and prudent distance based on traffic speed and road conditions. Rear-end collisions that result from speeding and tailgating are usually the fault of the rear vehicle’s driver.
However, in some situations, liability for the crash may fall on the driver of the front car. For example, a driver may be liable for a rear-end crash when they cut off another vehicle, leaving it without the space needed to stop safely.
A Charles County car accident attorney can consider the details of your crash and help you determine the liable parties.
Contact Our Charles County Rear-End Crash Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Rear-end collisions can come with long-term consequences that affect both your health and your finances. If you’ve been hurt in one of these crashes in Charles County, it’s vital to find out whether you qualify to file a claim to pursue compensation for those losses.
Contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today. Our Charles County rear-end crash attorneys can explain your rights and legal options after learning more about your case.